Official: North Downtown Discussion

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 12:55 pm

1 point for them. I think they probably could have made the design better. Tan brick isn't great for anything urban.

Post by **Brad** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 1:03 pm

DTO Luv wrote:1 point for them. I think they probably could have made the design better. Tan brick isn't great for anything urban.

Actually I stayed in a Holiday Inn in NY, Boston, and DC, this one is way better than all three of those. This is way more Urban looking than the ones I stayed at in those cities, agreed, the colors are different, but I think that is their corporate colors that they use on all new construction.

Uffda · Post by **Uffda** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 5:04 pm

from m-w.com

Hotel - an establishment that provides lodging and usually meals, entertainment, and various personal services for the public

Motel - an establishment which provides lodging and parking and in which the rooms are usually accessible from an outdoor parking area

Post by **Brad** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 5:15 pm

Uffda wrote:from m-w.com

Hotel - an establishment that provides lodging and usually meals, entertainment, and various personal services for the public

Motel - an establishment which provides lodging and parking and in which the rooms are usually accessible from an outdoor parking area

That's what I was thinking... Outdoor room access.

ShawJ · Post by **ShawJ** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 5:45 pm

Yeah... no way those are motels. Motel = Econo Lodge.

justnick · Post by **justnick** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 5:46 pm

ShawJ wrote:Yeah... no way those are motels. Motel = Econo Lodge.

I think the point people are trying to make is that they aren't glamorous hotels filled with glitzy prettiness and all that. They're boring, and basically rooms with not much more.

Bob from Omaha · Post by **Bob from Omaha** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 6:42 pm

Those definitions are from the 70's. There are motels with interior hallways. IN MY OPINION the properties in North Downtown do not have the redeeming features which separate them from suburban lodging facilities. I was hoping that North Downtown development would be outside-the-box thinking along the lines of Slowdown, etc. Perhaps a facility that combines lodging, retail, residential, etc. You know, creativity. Create a feeling of place such as the old market without being another old market. Create an identity.
North Downtown was and could be a great district with its own distinct feeling. There are some really interesting buildings. How about not wallowing in mediocrity?

Too much to ask?

ShawJ · Post by **ShawJ** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 7:02 pm

justnick wrote:
ShawJ wrote:Yeah... no way those are motels. Motel = Econo Lodge.
I think the point people are trying to make is that they aren't glamorous hotels filled with glitzy prettiness and all that. They're boring, and basically rooms with not much more.

Pssshhh... the Holiday Inn has green lights by the doorway. Problem solved.

I do agree that the Holiday Inn isn't the greatest, but I like the others.

Uffda · Post by **Uffda** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 7:20 pm

Those definitions are from the 70's.

.

:roll:

Post by **Brad** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 9:17 pm

justnick wrote:
ShawJ wrote:Yeah... no way those are motels. Motel = Econo Lodge.
I think the point people are trying to make is that they aren't glamorous hotels filled with glitzy prettiness and all that. They're boring, and basically rooms with not much more.

You mean Hotels that the rest of us can afford...

I get a hotel to sleep in, and unless I am in Vegas, I usually am not in the Hotel I am staying in.

justnick · Post by **justnick** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 9:31 pm

Brad wrote:
justnick wrote:
ShawJ wrote:Yeah... no way those are motels. Motel = Econo Lodge.
I think the point people are trying to make is that they aren't glamorous hotels filled with glitzy prettiness and all that. They're boring, and basically rooms with not much more.
You mean Hotels that the rest of us can afford...

I get a hotel to sleep in, and unless I am in Vegas, I usually am not in the Hotel I am staying in.

"The rest of us"?!
Are you saying i'm rich? I've never been more insulted in my life!

Post by **Brad** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 9:55 pm

I am not trying to insult you, but I have never looked at what a hotel has as far as glitz and glamor. I look at location, price, and that its not a roach motel.

Linkin5 · Post by **Linkin5** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 10:03 pm

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, everybody is missing the point. For the same amount of money (material wise) they could have built original designs for these hotels rather than cookie cutter, suburban, side of the interstate hotels.

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 12:11 pm

DTO Luv wrote:I wish Omaha did have a hostel. That would be sweet.

I've always fantasized that the Colonial Hotel at 37th and Farnam in Midtown be turned into a hip youth hostel, since it's right smack in what is easily Omaha's youngest, coolest urban neighborhood, right near Brother's, McFoster's, the Hotel Frank/East Wing house, etc. And EASILY walkable to Midtown Crossing. You throw in the Farnam/Harney Streetcar line, and... HOLY BAGEEZIS!

ricko · Post by **ricko** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 3:59 pm

Omaha did have a youth hostel back in the hippie era---it was between 14th and 15th downtown. I can't remember the cross street, but I remember what it looked like. It closed sometime in the 70's.

annad · Post by **annad** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 4:35 pm

The Holiday Inn building is a bit boring, I agree. And it's odd, because the main entrance to the hotel is actually around on the back side of the building.
I stopped in there over the weekend to see some friends and the main lobby is pretty nice - they have local artists' work hung as decor which is cool.

justnick · Post by **justnick** » Tue Mar 17, 2009 1:12 pm

Shiny. Me like new buildings.

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Tue Mar 17, 2009 1:26 pm

Black businessman's north downtown venture fulfills dream

With all due respect to Doug Williams:

"So, how long have you been a black businessman?"

Although I do like how this is now "North Omaha". Good on 'em.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Tue Mar 17, 2009 1:49 pm

Great headline. I can't wait to read mine when I open a business.

"Gay Biracial Drag Queen Republican opens Omaha's first Gay Biracial Drag Queen Republican owned restaurant/masturbatorium"

I don't see why people are so quick to say how North Downtown will be so great for north Omaha. I don't see people saying the Old Market is good for S. 24th St.

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Tue Mar 17, 2009 2:41 pm

it doesn't seem like there's much space left over for north downtown (good that it's being developed), and i wonder how many/if any other investors will head there. All it takes is a spark to start a fire.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Tue Mar 17, 2009 2:43 pm

thenewguy wrote:it doesn't seem like there's much space left over for north downtown

have you seen north DT?

justnick · Post by **justnick** » Tue Mar 17, 2009 2:50 pm

DTO Luv wrote:
thenewguy wrote:it doesn't seem like there's much space left over for north downtown
have you seen north DT?

Hmmm...

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Tue Mar 17, 2009 3:17 pm

DTO Luv wrote:
thenewguy wrote:it doesn't seem like there's much space left over for north downtown
have you seen north DT?

yeah, i forgot to include the "on that map" reference.

ricko · Post by **ricko** » Tue Mar 17, 2009 3:20 pm

Great development!

I just find it odd that the OWH considers it necessary to include a person's race in the headline, as if "Black" and "businessman" is somehow a curious oxymoron---very 1970's.

S33 · Post by **S33** » Wed Mar 18, 2009 11:12 am

ricko wrote:Great development!

I just find it odd that the OWH considers it necessary to include a person's race in the headline, as if "Black" and "businessman" is somehow a curious oxymoron---very 1970's.

Yeah, no |expletive|. A lot of people could definitely take that headline the wrong way. Like, "how dare a black man attempt to be successful in business" or "wow, a black business owner, how unusual".

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Wed Mar 18, 2009 2:25 pm

I really like the design, but I also wish it made better use of the triangular lot. I also love the amount of retail space, office space, and residential that this offers. It's a GREAt mixed use infill project.

I'm also VERY happy to see that these will be RENTAL units, too.

Also, the reference to the race of the developer in the headline, let alone in the article, is an embarrassment to the OWH.

Anyway, I'm totally excited to see this!

And, TheNewGuy, just think of the whole vacant lot west of the Slowdown, and the land on the southeast corner of 13th and Webster (north of The Matt), not to mention the lots of the Qwest Center, tons of little infill opportunities, and innumerable old, historical buildings to rehab.

the1wags · Post by **the1wags** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 10:47 pm

Sign up across from Blue Line Coffee.

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 1:42 pm

What the he11? They're selling it or leasing it?

I thought they were sitting on an amazing mixed use development plan.

OmahaJaysCU · Post by **OmahaJaysCU** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 6:31 pm

StreetsOfOmaha wrote:What the he11? They're selling it or leasing it?

I thought they were sitting on an amazing mixed use development plan.

If I remember correctly, they were waiting to see how much the stadium was going to get used before they made their decision. They must have decided against it.

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Mon Feb 01, 2010 2:33 pm

I couldn't really think of any other place to post this, but on my way back into town from the airport the other day, i was thoroughly impressed. For the first time in a long time, i looked at Omaha a little differently than i had done before, and i was actually impressed (even though i've seen downtown/north downtown a million times). Starting with the airport, i realized how nice Omaha's airport actually is. No, it's not huge like Denver, but it's a nice airport for one its size (and ones even bigger--i've been through Milwaukee's airport which services more people, and i think is crappier). It's got all you need, ample access to nearby parking, good loading zones, and easy to figure out. Driving down Abbott, Carter Lake actually seems inviting, where it used to give me the impression otherwise. When you get nearer to the bridge and Riverfront Place & the other tower crane, you start to think that there's a lot going on at the river front, and that you should be down there doing something. When you hook around and see the stadium and the hotels (and on to Qwest), you get the impression that Omaha's not just a second rate city, and that there are things to do, and that Omaha is a good looking place. And the skyline. It still looks nice and modestly impressive, even though it's obviously not as big as other cities. When i came back from being away, i felt like an out-of-towner coming in, and that i was in for a treat. And no matter how we may feel about this area from time to time, it really made me appreciate such a god place to call home.

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Mon Feb 01, 2010 3:17 pm

I know just what you mean. :;): :yes:

nebport5 · Post by **nebport5** » Fri Jun 04, 2010 12:40 pm

from The North Downtown Omaha facebook page...

"Mutual of Omaha has just awarded North Downtown Omaha Alliance a $5,000 grant to re-green the streets of our neighborhood! The alliance will use the money to create a lively mixed-use neighborhood conducive to pedestrian and bicycle travel by adding trees and planters. These installations will achieve an enjoyable, walkable experience - welcoming guests and residents to our neightborhood. A huge thanks to Mutual of Omaha!"

Maybe Mutual could award a "grant" to Mr. Townsend.

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Fri Jun 04, 2010 4:45 pm

The North Downtown Omaha Alliance wrote:The alliance will use the money to create a lively mixed-use neighborhood conducive to pedestrian and bicycle travel by adding trees and planters.

This sounds really wonderful.

However (and I'm sorry to be a stickler), adding streetscaping and greenery doesn't "create a lively mixed-use neighborhood," and though it may be pleasing to the eye, it does nothing to make the area any more "conducive to pedestrian and bicycle travel" than it already is.

Nice thoughts. I'm just keepin' it real.

Looking forward to the improvements.

nebport5 · Post by **nebport5** » Sat Jun 05, 2010 2:03 am

yeah Streets, I thought the same thing. Good announcement, poor choice of words.

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Mon Jun 07, 2010 5:36 pm

Yeah. It just shows how there are all kinds of buzz words people like to throw around without fully understanding the concept.

GetUrban · Post by **GetUrban** » Thu Jul 15, 2010 1:40 pm

StreetsOfOmaha wrote:Yeah. It just shows how there are all kinds of buzz words people like to throw around without fully understanding the concept.

....one could argue that trees will help provide a more pleasant, shaded environment for pedestrians, unless the trees are full of birds, of course. But you make a good point about their choice of wording!

nebport5 · Post by **nebport5** » Thu Jul 15, 2010 5:10 pm

GetUrban wrote:
StreetsOfOmaha wrote:Yeah. It just shows how there are all kinds of buzz words people like to throw around without fully understanding the concept.
....one could argue that trees will help provide a more pleasant, shaded environment for pedestrians, unless the trees are full of birds, of course. But you make a good point about their choice of wording!

I'm assuming you are referring to pigeons...most birds are not a nuisance, in fact most are quite delightful if you take the time. Migration is an especially enjoyable time. Yes the trees would be a welcome addition to the pedestrian environment.

GetUrban · Post by **GetUrban** » Thu Jul 15, 2010 10:19 pm

nebport5 wrote:
GetUrban wrote:
StreetsOfOmaha wrote:Yeah. It just shows how there are all kinds of buzz words people like to throw around without fully understanding the concept.
....one could argue that trees will help provide a more pleasant, shaded environment for pedestrians, unless the trees are full of birds, of course. But you make a good point about their choice of wording!

I'm assuming you are referring to pigeons...most birds are not a nuisance, in fact most are quite delightful if you take the time. Migration is an especially enjoyable time. Yes the trees would be a welcome addition to the pedestrian environment.

I was referring more to the Starlings which have on occasion swarmed the downtown area tress and FNB tower window sills. I'm not sure if pigeons even roost in trees...seems you see them roosting on building ledges, nooks, crannies, etc, more often. I agree having birds around (in manageable numbers) is desirable along with the trees and shade they provide.

nebport5 · Post by **nebport5** » Sat Jul 17, 2010 1:02 pm

The North Downtown facebook page is reporting... "Big news to be announced later today for North Downtown!"

ShawJ · Post by **ShawJ** » Sun Jul 18, 2010 10:50 am

So did they announce anything?